"We must be ready to dare all for our country. For history does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. We must acquire proficiency in defense and display stamina in purpose." - President Eisenhower, First Inaugural Address

War Games

Friday, July 26, 2013

Friday Fun Film: U.S. Navy in China - The Yangtze River Force

This rare film features ships of the U.S. Asiatic fleet patrolling the Yangtze River. The Asiatic Fleet's gunboats were tasked with protecting American shipping (primarily oil tankers) from pirates and the Japanese. Contains amazing footage of life in China circa 1935 including the cities of Chunking, Shanghai, and the countryside. Ships featured in this film are the USS Augusta (CA-31), USS Borie (DD-215) and USS Simpson (DD-221) as well as US gunboats.

Pretty cool. There were still a handfull of the old China hands around when I started out, though they were all on the edge of retireing. From their stories and the movie it must have been quite an experience.

EagleSpeak

About EagleSpeak

The main focus of this blog is maritime security. Other matters may appear. I am a retired attorney and a retired Navy Reserve Captain (Surface Warfare). Opinions expressed herein are my own. Sometimes I have the experience to back them up. Your opinions may vary. Don't panic. Feel free to disagree, that's what free speech is all about.
Nothing contained herein should be confused as me giving legal advice to anyone. If you are confused, welcome to the club. All mistakes herein are my fault. I have sufficient academic credentials to be dangerous to myself and to others.
Comment moderation is at my discretion, so your comments may never appear. You can start your own blog for free and comment there all you want. I enjoy a healthy debate, but not arguing with trolls. If you can't comment without using intemperate language, go someplace else., Under the header: MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter of HSC 25 prepares to land aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) in the East China Sea. (U.S. M.C. photo by Gunnery Sgt. T. T. Parish/Released)